as in lie
a statement that is only partly true and that is intended to deceive people
I'm tired of all these half-truths—I want to know the real story.
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Recent Examples of half-truth
True to the postmodern nature of DEI, the efforts to save it are a cacophony of half-truths, distortions, and downright lies.
—
Ian Kingsbury, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025
Yet critics of American agriculture are spreading half-truths and outright lies.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Everybody is lying or telling half-truths the whole time in this show.
—Max Gao, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025
Related article Vance uses half-truths to lecture a European audience well aware of the threat of authoritarian rule
During this short period of whiplash, by the worst battlefield estimates, up to 5,000 troops have been killed or injured on the frontlines in Ukraine.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
In his two days of hearings, Kennedy will offer excuses and half-truths, as well as full-on lies, anything to get approval.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The gaslighting and half-truths left viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of manipulation.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Ian Kingsbury, National Review, 22 Mar. 2025
Yet critics of American agriculture are spreading half-truths and outright lies.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Everybody is lying or telling half-truths the whole time in this show.
—Max Gao, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025
Related article Vance uses half-truths to lecture a European audience well aware of the threat of authoritarian rule
During this short period of whiplash, by the worst battlefield estimates, up to 5,000 troops have been killed or injured on the frontlines in Ukraine.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Tribune reporter Ronald Yates then revealed in 1976 that two witnesses were forced to tell half-truths and withhold vital information during Toguri’s trial.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
In his two days of hearings, Kennedy will offer excuses and half-truths, as well as full-on lies, anything to get approval.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
After the Los Angeles fires, lies and half-truths about California's water policies and the state's emergency response spread at breakneck speed.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The gaslighting and half-truths left viewers with unanswered questions and a sense of manipulation.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-truth
Noun
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The power to classify or declassify lies in the hands of top federal officials, including the president and Cabinet secretaries.—
David Klepper,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
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Approaching her parents now means exposing her lies, which could trigger a range of harsh reactions.—
Kwame Anthony Appiah,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The six-part podcast series unravels the twisted tale of Stover, his ex-wife, the heiress, and the bodyguard.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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The romance drama is billed as an original tale of two strangers and the extraordinary emotional journey that connects them.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Sponsors have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-truth. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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